High Holy Days

Fall 2007 - Tishrei 5768

Quick link to registration materials: Click here.

Our season of repentance, introspection, and renewal -- the Days of Awe, Yamim Noraim -- approaches. This newsletter describes Adat Shalom's services and events over the coming High Holy Days. Important registration materials are enclosed, with a few important differences from previous years. Our community, staff, and volunteers need ample time to arrange for child care, children's programming, seating, security, break-the-fast, and other important aspects of this sacred season; therefore we are asking that all forms be postmarked and mailed in by no later than August 21, 2007AS SOON AS POSSIBLE-->. Please do not delay -- thank you.

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS for 5768 (2007 High Holy Days)

Our main services will be held in the Wheaton High School auditorium on the first day of Rosh HaShanah (including Erev) and throughout Yom Kippur (including Kol Nidre). B’Yachad, a family-friendly learners’ service primarily for those in grades 4-7 and their families, will be at 10am on Rosh HaShanah (day one only) and Yom Kippur, in the Wheaton Cafeteria. Follow posted signs for the Gesher minyan, Minyan Katan, child care, and other special services and events. On the second day of Rosh HaShanah, services will be at Adat Shalom’s building in Bethesda, 7727 Persimmon Tree Lane.

First Day of Rosh HaShanah:

Before noon, the B’Yachad service will have ended, and its participants will come into the auditorium. Cantor Rachel, Rabbi Fred, and a host of others will then lead an exciting new approach to the Shofar service: a memorable, musical, high-energy introduction to the blowing of the Shofar. “We’re gonna have a blast” – join us!

Second Day of Rosh HaShanah:

We come back home to Adat Shalom on Friday 9/14. Childcare will be available for toddlers, and for our pre-K through 3^rd graders before and after Sue Marx’s services. We are happy to be able to offer communal prayer opportunities for all children in grades pre-K and up (details in “Children’s Program,” page 6). We welcome back Renee Brachfeld, nationally renowned storyteller, for a fourth year of learning and storytelling with our Adat Shalom kids (noon – 1 PM).

In the sanctuary, Rabbi Fred’s Day One sermon (about the role of midrash or ‘creative narrative’ in our lives and our learning) will carry over to Day Two, as we consider some classic midrashim on the Torah reading’s story of the binding of Isaac. The childrens’ program will bring kids into the sanctuary in time for the Second day shofar service as well. Students in grades 4 and up are invited to the library for a Torah and Shofar Service discussion at 11:15 AM.

B’Yachad (Together) -- Family-Friendly Learner's Service:

As in recent years, Hazzan Rachel will lead this minyan (service) on day one of Rosh HaShanah, and Rabbi Fred will lead it on Yom Kippur morning, both starting promptly at 10AM and wrapping up at 11:40AM. This experience is for families and congregants who would like a learners’ minyan, geared especially but not exclusively for young people in grades 4 through 7, along with their friends, their siblings, and their parents. These services will feature an accessible approach to music, liturgy, and Torah that will help learners get acquainted with the High Holy Day liturgy and themes.

The name of this learner’s service, B’Yachad or “together,” speaks to the idea of young people davenning together with their parents and other adults. The intergenerational intention is for whole families to attend, and for people of different ages to worship, together. Parents, please do plan on participating together with your child(ren).

Minyan Katan (grades Pre-K through 1) and Gesher Minyan (grades 2-3):

Sue Marx will lead our Minyan (grades Pre-K - 1) Katan and Gesher (grades 2-3) Minyanim on both days of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. This short, energetic service – primarily for children plus parents and families if they choose – incorporates song, prayer, and stories. Take note of service times on Page 1, to not miss these fabulous opportunities.

It is not necessary for children to be registered for the children’s program activities described below to attend the Minyan Katan or Gesher Minyan services, but unregistered children must be accompanied by their parents. More information on other aspects of our program for younger children is under “Children’s Programs” on page 6.

Kol Nidrei:

Among the many highlights of this 7:30pm service will be a chance for individuals to remember aloud, for all to hear, the names of those they have lost and gained in this past year – interspersed with music that evokes the cycle of life. As we reflect on tshuvah, remember to wear your tallit -- and white non-leather clothing -- this evening and throughout the holy day.

Yom Kippur Day:

Again, Yom Kippur morning services will be led by Hazzan Rachel, with Founding Rabbi Sid Schwarz offering the sermon. Expect many creative approaches, especially to the Avodah service, along with a full traditional Day of Atonement liturgy. This will be followed before 2pm with a break, including various adult education sessions and discussions (see p. 3).

The mincha or afternoon service lets us take stock of the day that has nearly passed, especially worthwhile on Yom Kippur as preparation for the final Ne’ilah service. As we have done for several years, our mincha service will include an extended meditative section, offered as an alternative to the traditional silent Amidah (those who would like to daven the traditional mincha liturgy may of course do so). It starts close to 5:00 pm; no prior meditation experience is required.

After Mincha comes Yizkor, the half-hour-long memorial service, to which all are invited, whether or not you are remembering any particular loved one. Then the dramatic concluding Ne’ilah service begins close to 6pm. As in years past, all children are invited to join us on the bimah near the end of Ne’ilah -- ideally wearing white (as all are invited to do throughout the day); ready to sing; and if you have one, with shofar in hand -- for Avinu Malkeinu and the final shofar blast.

LOCATION

As with the last few years, most of our High Holy Day services this year – Erev and first day of Rosh HaShanah, Kol Nidre, and all of Yom Kippur day (everything but the second day of Rosh HaShanah) – will be held at Wheaton High School in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Wheaton High School is at 12601 Dalewood Drive, near Connecticut and Randolph. From points South & West: I-495 to Connecticut Ave., go four miles north on Connecticut, turn right on Randolph. Then stay in the left lane; after two long blocks, turn left onto Dalewood Drive. Wheaton High School is at 12601, on the right. From points North & West: take Randolph Rd. and turn left on Dalewood Drive; or take Viers Mill Rd. to Randolph, where you turn left and go one mile until turning left again on Dalewood Drive. From points East: take Georgia Ave. to Weller Road, heading west for one-half mile. Turn left on Dean Road, proceeding for three blocks, until it ends at Dalewood, directly in front of Wheaton HS.

REGISTRATION/RESERVATIONS

All members of Adat Shalom are entitled to seats for themselves and their children (under age 25). There is no charge for members' seats, but you must have paid at least one-third of your current annual dues and have no outstanding balance on the prior year's account. If you have not received your dues statement by the time you are ready to send in your registration for the High Holy Days, or if you have extenuating circumstances, please contact our accounts manager, Mike Goldsteen at 301/767-3333 x103. Seats for members' adult children (ages 25-35) are available at a substantial discount (see Member's Registration Form).

Adat Shalom offers a children’s program with baby-sitting for toddlers (generally ages 1-4, but use your judgment); an educational program for young children in Kindergarten through Grade 3 including Minyan Katan for children in Kindergarten and Grade 1 and Gesher Minyan for children in grades 2 and 3. There is also a B’Yachad service which is geared toward those in grades 4-8 and their families. After the B’Yachad Service the gym and quiet room will be made available for those children who are signed up for activities. Parents MUST register children in advance to allow for adequate staffing and space. We cannot accommodate walk-ins for the childrens’ programs.

Guests of members, and non-members, are welcome to join us at services – fees are listed on the registration forms. There are two registration forms: one for members and their guests, and another for non-members. Please fill out the appropriate form. This pricing structure rewards those who are affiliated with a synagogue, ours or another. Though it might seem preferable for synagogues not to charge for the High Holy Days, the work of the Jewish community goes on 24/7/365, supported willingly and generously by the dues and contributions of members. Therefore we ask that guests and visitors step forward, by making a contribution as indicated in the ticket pricing, to aid and support the synagogue community that works so hard to provide these and other services. We will, of course, make accomodations for those with limited ability to contribute. (Call Sheila Feldman @ 301/767-3333 x107 to request such accommodations).

The High Holy Days are also a prime season for “shul shoppers,” those who are seeking a spiritual home. Feel free to suggest Adat Shalom to your friends who might be looking! For those who attend High Holy Days and subsequently join Adat Shalom by the end of the (secular) year, the price of High Holy Day seats can be applied toward the first year’s membership dues. Also, these prices can be adjusted for financial hardship; no one should be denied a spiritual experience due to fiscal constraints. Call Sheila Feldman @ (301) 767-3333 x107 to request accommodations.

The DEADLINE for registration is August 21st !!!!

All registration materials should be sent directly to: High Holy Days, Adat Shalom

Reconstructionist Congregation, 7727 Persimmon Tree Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20817.

TICKETS

We will mail out tickets up through August 31 to members in good standing and to paid non-members . The tickets will be color coded by date. People who show their tickets will be able to enter much more quickly, so it will be to your benefit to bring your tickets. Everyone who does not bring a ticket must check in at the registration desk.

Again this year, we ask all Adat Shalom members to please wear their name tags. Though you will receive tickets this year, having members wear their name tags facilitates a sense of community, even as it enhances the efficiency and safety of our gathering Guests and non-members must bring the tickets they will receive in the mail confirming their registration; name tags for guests and non-members will be available at the check-in table immediately outside the Wheaton High School auditorium. As circumstances warrant, we may also implement additional security procedures this year.

Please remember that ALL members MUST register for the High Holy Day services BY

AUGUST 21^st, even though there is no charge for members' seats.

SECURITY

We will be closely monitoring information that pertains to the safety and security of worshippers on the High Holy Days. As in past years, we will hire off-duty police officers to assist us in ensuring the safety of the Adat Shalom community at Wheaton High School (and also at Adat Shalom).

Please cooperate with us by bringing your tickets (members, guests and non-members), wearing your name tags, and entering the High School only through the designated entrance.

It is possible – depending upon the security situation – that we may request that worshippers present identification. If necessary, we will alert you via the Adat Shalom High Holy Days web site, the list-serve, and announcements during Shabbat services of any changes in response to security concerns.

YOM KIPPUR ADULT EDUCATION WORKSHOPS

As is our custom, on the afternoon of Yom Kippur (Saturday, Sept. 22^nd), Adat Shalom community members and clergy will lead workshops to enhance your High Holiday experience. The sessions will be held in classrooms at Wheaton High School following the completion of the Musaf service. Detailed information will be announced and posted that day.

These sessions are an opportunity to meet in smaller groups, and less formal settings, for shorter and more interactive learning. We will hold two rounds of Adult Ed programs between Musaf and Minhah: from 2:15-3pm, and again from 3:15-4pm. Each round will include two discussion groups, and one meditation and stretching class. As of press time, we plan on offering the following options:

Session 1: 2:15 to 3:00pm

- Rabbi George will lead a discussion on: “The Limits of Forgiveness: A Moral Dilemma from the Ashes of the Holocaust”

- Luther Jett will read and discuss Jewish-themed poetry

- Hillary Blackton will conduct a meditation and stretching class

Session 2: 3:15 to 4:00pm

- Rabbi Sid will discuss his Yom Kippur morning sermon

- Vicki Breman will lead a discussion on yizkor and bereavement

- Hillary Blackton will conduct a meditation and stretching class

Also, please mark your calendars for the following:

• To enhance our spiritual preparation, Hazzan Rachel will lead a High Holiday workshop, linking the Holy Days with Israel through the writings of Rav Kook on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 10:30am.
• And, Rabbi Fred will lead his Healing Service on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 1:15 pm (following the oneg), for those who would benefit from a moment of reflection and healing on Shabbat Shuvah.

HIGH HOLY DAY PRAYER BOOKS (MACHZORIM)

Adat Shalom will again be using the excellent Kol Haneshema High Holy Days machzor, published a few years ago by the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. All members need to bring their own machzorim to services, including as many as you have for the B’Yachad service. We will provide machzorim for non-members. Because only a limited number of machzorim are available for our guests, members who have yet to purchase machzorim should contact the office at (301) 767-3333 x108 or clergyassistant@adatshalom.net, as soon as possible. All worshippers are also strongly encouraged to bring their own tallitot and kippot to services -- remember that both men and women are encouraged to wear both ritual items, and non-Jewish members are invited to wear the kippah. Note too that Kol Nidre is one of only two nights each year when the tallit is worn in the evening, and throughout Yom Kippur white garments without leather are traditionally worn.

TORAH READING AND HONORS

Opportunities for participation in our services abound. Torah honors are being coordinated by a volunteer, Shelley Sadowsky. If you would like an English reading,an aliyah, or other honor, please contact Shelley at Shelley.sadowsky@kattenlaw.com .

YIZKOR BOOK

During the Days of Awe, and especially at the Yizkor service on Yom Kippur, Jews remember family and friends who have passed away. It is customary to make a contribution to tzedakah (charity) in honor of those for whom we say Yizkor. One opportunity for honoring the memory of loved ones is to include their names in our annual Yizkor book, which also includes poems, readings, and original artwork.

Please offer the relevant information on the Yizkor form included in this packet, and return the form along with your registration materials. We must receive your registration form by August 21^st to include your listing; forms received after that will not be processed in time for the name/s to appear. A donation of $18-36 per line is suggested. For Yizkor book questions, please contact Maureen Schroeder at Adat Shalom (301)767-3333 x108 or clergyassistant@adatshalom.net. As a reminder, Yizkor services will be held at about 5:35 pm on Yom Kippur afternoon.

BREAK-THE-FAST

We will continue our tradition of remaining together as a community for break-the-fast. Our (milchig, or vegetarian-plus-fish) meal will follow the Ne’ilah service at Wheaton High School, beginning around 7:20 pm (well after sundown but still before the appearance of three stars, which traditionally marks the end of a Holy Day). The Break-the-Fast will feature the customary drinks, bagels, lox, salads, and kugel, plus ample desserts for a sweet and happy New Year. The price remains $27 for adults and children over age 12, and $9.00 for children ages 6 to 11. Children ages 5 and under eat free. For Break-the-Fast questions, contact Maureen Schroeder at Adat Shalom, (301) 767-3333 x108, or clergyassistant@adatshalom.net.

VOLUNTEERING: AVODAH

Voluntarism is the foundation upon which the Adat Shalom community is built. Volunteering for the High Holy Days is a special mitzvah, and another way of actualizing our central value of Avodah (labor, service, prayer). As little as one hour of service is helpful. We have many opportunities for you to help in all aspects of the High Holy Day season -- these include ushering, welcome greeters, break-the-fast, and schlepping. Please share in this community event by completing the Volunteer Sign-up Form and returning it with your registration materials. If you would like more information, please contact Maureen Schroeder at the Adat Shalom office, (301) 767-3333 x108, or clergyassistant@adatshalom.net

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Adat Shalom offers special programs for children during the High Holy Days. For a full description of youth and family worship opportunities and other service highlights, please see page 2.

Advance registration for Rosh HaShanah (Day 1) and Yom Kippur is essential, so that we can provide adequate staffing. Please fill out and return the “Children's Program Registration Form” with your other forms. Absolutely no registrations received after August 21^st will be accepted! No walk-ins will be accepted for these Children’s Programs. Please understand our need to plan for appropriate set-up and staffing -- and please, respond quickly.

A brief description of activities for each age group follows, and a pull-out summary of all children’s programs by day and by age group is included in this packet. For more information, please contact tsinfo@adatshalom.net.

Children’s Programs: Rosh HaShanah Day 1, and Yom Kippur

Child Care: Age 1 through Pre-K

Supervised child-care will be provided for children ages one to three during the services on Erev Rosh HaShanah (7:50-9:30 PM), Rosh HaShanah day one (9:15 AM - 1:15 PM), Kol Nidre (7:20 - 10:10 PM), and Yom Kippur day (9:15 AM - 1:30 PM and 4:15 - 6:00 PM). Please note that baby-sitting will not be provided for children under the age of one.

Parents should send their children with everything they will need during these times, including toys, extra clothing, diapers, wipes, etc. Please label everything with the child’s full name. Parents should bring blankets or rugs to cover the hard floors. The program will provide snacks, but children should bring lunch.

Kindergarten through Grade 3

Children’s Programs return with a bang for 5768 with high quality and fun educational activities for kindergartners, through Grade 3. Starting time this year will be at 9:15 AM to accommodate parents who want to get to services earlier. The program ends at 1:30 PM on Yom Kippur, shortly before services end. Please plan accordingly. Parents are encouraged to return to the main services with their children. Children are of course welcome into the main services at any time.

Children will be divided by age and grade groups: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. Teachers assisted by madrichim (assistants) will provide a safe and nurturing environment. The children will learn about the High Holy Days through art, music, stories and Tefilot (Services) with Sue Marx. Supervised free play and snacks are included. Parents, please make sure to pack a lunch and weather-appropriate clothing for your child.

For younger children, supervised child care will also be provided during services on Erev Rosh HaShanah (7:50 PM - 9:30 PM), Kol Nidre (7:20PM – 10:10 PM), and Mincha-Yizkor (4:15 PM – 6:00 PM).

Grades 4-7: The B’Yachad Service (Rosh HaShanah Day 1 and Yom Kippur, 10:00 AM)

At the end of the B’Yachad service (between 11:30-11:45), all are invited to join the latter part of the ‘main’ service; this year the Rosh HaShanah shofar blowing will be in the main sanctuary only, timed so that B’Yachad attendees can hear shofar in the auditorium with the entire community. Students registered in the Children's Program will participate in high energy activities in the gym and/or quiet room activities including quiet games, arts and crafts. Children participating in gym activities must bring rubber-soled shoes; those with hard-soled shoes will not be permitted to join in. Children participating in gym activities are strongly urged to bring their own sports equipment (not provided by the school). Adat Shalom will provide snacks, but children should bring their own lunch on Rosh HaShanah and (as applicable) Yom Kippur. These supervised activities will continue until 1:30 pm.

Remember: All Children of Eligible Ages Must Be Registered In Advance! NO WALK-INS will be allowed.

Please understand our need to plan for appropriate set-up and staffing -- and please, respond quickly.

Children’s Programs: Rosh HaShanah – Day 2

Second Day of Rosh HaShanah:

We will be coming back home to Adat Shalom for the second day of Rosh HaShanah, on Friday 9/14 at 9:30 AM.

Sue Marx will again lead our children in Grades K-1 (Minyan Katan) and 2-3 (Gesher Minyan) for meaningful and musical services; Grades 4 and up will participate in the main services until 11:15, when they can meet in the library for a brief age-appropriate discussion on the themes of Torah and Shofar services.

Later that morning, all children will be welcomed into the main services for the Shofar services, and then down to the multi-purpose room for storytelling with reknown local Jewish teacher/entertainer Renee Brachfeld (Noon - 1:00 PM).

Babysitting and childcare will be provided for children when they are not in services. All children in grades K and up will be expected to attend their age-appropriate services. Childcare will not be offered for those children who are supposed to be in a particular minyan during their minyan time.

Walk-Ins WILL be allowed on Day 2 (and only on Day 2!).

For more information about these programs, please contact the Torah School at tsinfo@adatshalom.net.

NE’ILAH: Closing the Gates